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HCC’s Technical Innovation Center to graduate first biotech firm

(Release: October 26, 2011) - The Technical Innovation Center (TIC) at Hagerstown Community College has announced that Tox Path Specialists, LLC will be graduating from the business incubator to commercial space in early 2012.

Tox Path Specialists, LLC first began operations in the TIC in May 2008 and has created 10 new jobs for Washington County biotech professionals. According to Mark Butt, president, Tox Path Specialists, the growth that he has experienced since coming to the Technical Innovation Center has made it obvious that the firm will need to have more space to ensure efficient and safe operations. Moreover, as the business has evolved, Tox Path’s niche in the industry has become very specialized in nature. Butt’s involvement for each study has steadily increased requiring him to find ways to maximize his availability across all operations. Butt went on to say that Tox Path Specialist “will look to Washington County for future expansion. Areas for expansion could include laboratory facilities, storage facilities, and office space for workers.”

On his experience in the incubator Butt said, “The TIC in general and the support of the staff could not have worked out better for us. Our experience at the TIC has proves that a biotech firm can grow quickly through HCC’s facility. I do not know of a better-run business incubator in the state of Maryland.”

Tox Path Specialists, LLC (TPS) specializes in toxicological pathology consulting and technical expertise as it pertains to the discovery and development of novel human and animal pharmaceuticals. TPS focuses on the rapid and cost-effective pathology evaluation of general safety assessment studies, pathology evaluation of new drugs targeted for diseases of the central nervous system, and assisting biotechnology and pharmaceutical firms utilize resources available through contract research organizations.

The Technical Innovation Center (TIC) at Hagerstown Community College is a self-sustaining economic development effort that fosters the growth of new and expanding businesses by providing access to advanced technologies, business development resources, and collaborative opportunities. An integral part of its mission is to create and retain high-quality employment opportunities for HCC’s students and the quad-state community.